It’s 3am and you’re holding your baby after what feels like their twentieth feed of the day, and that familiar thought comes back: “Is my baby getting enough milk?” Don’t worry, you are certainly not alone here.
And it’s perfectly understandable, as, unlike bottle feeding, where you can see how much milk your baby has had, breastfeeding can leave you guessing. If this is you right now, please be reassured. Trust your body. Trust your instincts. You are doing absolutely everything you can, and sometimes all you need is a little reassurance.
In most instances, babies get what they need through breastfeeding exclusively, and women produce enough milk to meet their baby’s needs. This guide seeks to help you recognise the reliable signs that your baby is breastfeeding well, to ease those nagging doubts, and explore practical solutions to build your breastfeeding confidence. We’ve got you. You’ve got this.
Munchkin’s Lactation Specialist, Kerry Baker, (Registered Midwife and Lactation Consultant, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)) shares how common these feelings are…
“Our natural urge to ensure our baby is well-fed and thriving is protective, and entirely valid, but it can feel like a constant alarm sounding in our minds. It exists for a reason: to keep our babies safe.
Sadly, we’re often surrounded by stories of breastfeeding difficulties, particularly around milk supply. Pair this with a lack of adequate support, it’s no wonder the fear of not producing enough feels very real for many parents.
However, if you’re meeting all the signs that indicate your baby is getting enough milk, and have had reassurance from healthcare professionals, then it’s important to lean into that knowledge. Trust the cues and evidence that your body is producing what your baby needs.”
Key signs your baby is getting enough milk
First and foremost, trusting your body and your instincts is a wonderful way to decide if your baby is getting enough milk. However, there are some concrete ways to confirm this also…
According to NHS guidelines and information collected from the La Leche League GB, there are seven main signs that suggest you’re making enough breastmilk:
Regular weight gain
A breastfed baby is expected to gain approximately 30g per day in the first month of life (after the initial two weeks). Weight gain is just one part of a broader picture in your baby’s development, but of course, it’s an important one. It’s normal for babies to lose up to 5-10% of their birth weight within the first 3-5 days. That said, it’s advised to check with your doctor if your baby loses more than 10% of their birth weight by day 5-7 and they’re not feeling well, seem lethargic or have fewer wet nappies.
Six to eight wet nappies per day
From day 6, your baby is expected to be having a minimum of six heavy, pale, wet nappies every day. From birth to day six, urine output is aligned with the age of your baby, for example day 1, 1 wee, day 2, 2 heavy wet nappies, etc…
A content, relaxed baby after feeds
A well-fed baby will appear calm and settled and come off of the breast in their own time – the wonderful ‘milk drunk’ look for context, with a little milk dribble for good measure, relaxed hands and posture. Your baby may drift into a relaxing sleep or be in a calm, alert state. Feeding cues are no longer visible, and if they are, encourage the feed to continue.
Active feeding cycle
Your baby will initiate your ‘let down’ through repetitive sucks, in a 10 sucks to 1 swallow type of ratio. As your milk begins to increase in flow a few minutes following this, your baby slows down into a steady, rhythmic, suck, swallow, breath cycle with little pauses. Closer to a three sucks to a swallow ratio and audible swallows should be heard.
Feeding frequency and patterns
Newborn babies typically feed every 2 to 3 hours (8 to 12 times in 24 hours). Feeds can be equally spread or clustered across a full 24 hour period when feeding on demand. Feeding frequently supports your milk supply and to sustain your baby weight gain and nutritional needs. Let your baby feed for as long and as often as they want to. Looking out for early signs to feed when your baby is calm, such as rooting, sucking their hands, head bobbing, creates a more relaxing feed with your calm, alert baby.
Nappy output
In the first 24 hours your baby is expected to stool at least once. From day 2 onwards, we expect approximately 3 stools around 50p in size, as a minimum. The colour of your baby’s poo starts as a thick, black meconium stool, then by day 2-5 it changes to a green/brown colour followed by a yellow mustard colour from day 5 and stays this way. The colour changes and frequency are closely related to how well feeding is going and can be very reassuring or a sign that feeding support is needed.
Trust your instincts
You’ll know instinctively if your baby seems well – they should be alert, actively feeding, meeting milestones, and content after feeds, with frequent nappy output. If your baby is very sleepy and not feeding regularly, showing signs of jaundice or poor weight gain, seek advice from your midwife or health visitor as soon as possible.
Common concerns about whether baby is getting enough milk
Breast milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis. The more we stimulate our breasts through breastfeeding and removing breastmilk, the more milk we will make. Through ensuring that we are picking up on our baby’s feeding cues quickly and feeding frequently, our body can produce a supply that is established, sustainable and can meet our baby’s needs without introducing anything else for the first 6 months of life.
Cluster feeding is another common reason mums get worried, especially in the evenings when babies might feed on and off for many hours. It’s easy to assume they’re not getting enough milk, but this behaviour helps boost your milk supply and to meet their needs. But without visible proof, it can be common to worry. Sleep patterns can add to these worries, too. A baby who feeds often or doesn’t settle for long stretches might look like they’re not getting enough milk when this is completely normal newborn behaviour.
In those times The Munchkin Flow nipple shield, can provide the visual reassurance that many mums find invaluable when they are concerned that their breasts are ‘empty’ during these moments.
Things can also get a bit trickier during growth spurts, which typically occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. During these times, your little one might seem hungrier, feed more often, or be fussier between feeds. This is their clever way of telling your body to make more milk to keep up with their growing appetite. If everything is ticking the boxes that your baby is getting enough, try to trust the process.
Lactation Specialist, Kerry’s advice on managing cluster feeding and staying comfortable…
“If we relax into this rhythm and follow our baby’s feeding cues, then as long as they’re feeding around 10-12 times in 24 hours, meeting their milestones and showing signs of good intake, it becomes more about settling down with your favourite TV series, getting comfy with your favourite snacks and drinks on the sofa during these intense cluster feeds or growth spurts. Feeding in a sling can also be a lifesaver during cluster feeds on the go – just be sure to get support on safe babywearing and feeding in a sling.”
What to do if your baby is unsettled after feeding
Not all fussiness or unsettled behaviour in your baby means that you are not making enough breastmilk, or that the milk transfer isn’t good enough. Knowing the signs that a baby isn’t getting enough breast milk can help you figure out if the fussiness is normal or something to address.
If your baby is unsettled after a feed, it may mean that your baby has not had enough yet when we think about our meal analogy above, ‘Was this a three-course meal and not the snack I thought it was going to be based on the previous feed?’ Try to relax into that unknown if all the good milk intake signs are there as stated above and respond to that behaviour by switching sides or trying breast compressions to help aid the milk transfer further.
If this does not subside, or there are signs that the baby is not getting enough milk, there may be latch and attachment adjustments required. Our 10 Tips for successful breastfeeding article is a perfect place to address optimising latch and attachment.
On the other hand, oversupply or a strong milk let-down (which is when milk flows quickly and forcefully from the breast) can equally overwhelm a baby. It can cause them to quickly gulp air and become uncomfortable, and they might pull away, arch their back, or seem distressed during feeds as they struggle to manage the flow.
Reflux is another common cause of unsettled behaviour in babies. If your baby spits up often or seems uncomfortable lying flat, it’s worth reading up on reflux in babies and checking in with your health care professional.
If your baby is meeting all the signs to suggest that your milk is enough and they have periods of unsettled behaviour despite trying all the above, these little tips may prove helpful:
- Use gentle burping techniques, such as gently patting or rubbing baby’s back and tummy to relieve trapped wind.
- Experiment with feeding positions, such as more upright holds, and keep the baby upright for 10-15 minutes after feeding.
- Use Munchkin’s Shhh portable sound machine to create a calm, soothing environment during feeds – this can help relax both you and your baby, making feeding smoother and more comfortable.
- Try gentle motion with a baby swing like the Munchkin Bluetooth baby swing chair, which provides a rhythmic bounce that mimics natural movement, helping your little one relax while giving your arms a break. For more information, read our guide to bouncers.
Breastfeeding confidence and success
Building breastfeeding confidence is typically less about following a perfect routine and more about understanding what’s normal – and trusting your instincts. Every family’s experience of breastfeeding success looks different. When it comes to learning how to ensure breastfeed successfully, having strong support makes all the difference.
- When it comes to learning how to ensure breastfeed successfully, having strong support makes all the difference.
- Working with a lactation consultant or feeding specialist, even if things seem to be going well, can also boost your confidence significantly. They can tailor information specifically to your journey which can be invaluable.
- Keeping a simple feeding diary during those first few weeks helps you recognise patterns and feel sure about what’s normal. Track your little one’s feeding and duration, which breast was last used, their wet nappies, dirty nappies, and any difficulties, it all comes in handy if you need to speak with healthcare professionals and helps you recognise changes.
- Munchkin’s Flow is a great support aid for boosting breastfeeding confidence. This nipple shield features a clear channel so that you can see the milk flowing during feeds, giving you that real-time reassurance when you need it most.
By understanding the normal signs and building a strong support network you’ll set yourself up for breastfeeding success and gain the sort of confidence that will carry you through the ups and downs of your journey.
When to seek extra support (A 3am quick-check guide!)
The resource above helps you to feel more confident in what good milk intake looks like. Here is some more detail on key signs that more support is needed:
- Not enough wet or dirty nappies: If your baby’s stools or urine output has slowed down or changed, then seek advice from your health care professional as this could be a milk-intake related issue.
- Signs of dehydration: Look out for a sunken soft spot on your baby’s head just above their forehead where their hairline is, known as the fontanelle, a dry mouth, or if they are not responding to stimulation as they were before such as getting your baby changed or handling them. Reaching out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible is important. If your baby seems significantly unwell, then call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.
- Baby seems unsettled: If your little one is pulling away distressed at each feed, cries at each feed, does not latch or cannot sustain their latch then your healthcare professional needs to support you to assess what the cause of this may be as soon as possible.
- Ongoing pain while feeding: It’s normal to feel a bit sore at first, but if breastfeeding is painful and your nipples are sore, cracked, or look different after feeding, then early, additional support will be beneficial to explore the cause. In most instances it is a case of needing to tweak the latch and attachment. Poor latch and attachment can be one of the leading causes of not having enough milk for your baby so improving this to improve milk transfer and supply is key.
- Feeding less often or ineffectively: If your baby isn’t feeding at least 8 to 12 times a 24-hour period or seems to feed for a long time but with little active feeding/swallowing, then check in with a professional as soon as possible.
Kerry shares key signs to watch for and when to get help…
‘If you are not feeling confident about your supply and how breastfeeding is going, the earlier you seek support the better. Gaining clarity in your concerns is important. If what you are experiencing is normal, health care professionals can assure you and explain why your breastfeeding journey is going well. However, by reaching out early, if your instincts are right and there are signs that breastfeeding could be improved then you can quickly get on the right track and understand the causes of the hurdles you’ve been facing. Breastfeeding is a time-sensitive situation to gain an established supply that meets the exclusive needs of your child, so we need to get on top of breastfeeding issues in a timely manner to maximise your chances of success’.
Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, but the signs that your baby is getting enough milk are the same for each mum and baby. Most mums make the right amount of milk when feeding is going well, and they’ve got support on hand. Your body is amazing at keeping up with your baby’s needs, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Trust yourself, watch for these simple signs that baby’s getting enough milk, and know that with the right info and a bit of help, you’re already set to know when your baby is thriving.
Products like Munchkin’s Flow can provide some gentle reassurance of your milk flow, and can be helpful if you feel it’s right for you.
And please don’t forget, breastfeeding support is available within the NHS services, your local health visiting team, midwives, and support groups like La Leche League GB.
You can also find helpful advice and stories on Munchkin’s StrollerCoaster parenting podcast and our blog. For more specialist advice, chat with Erica, our expert advice bot. Erica offers personalised guidance for all your queries, and she’s always got your back.
You’ve got this.
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